La Màgia winery is a story of a family with roots in South Tyrol who made the bold move of relocating to Montalcino, in 1979, after falling in love with the area. Knowing nothing about viticulture or cultivation, Herbert and Silvia Schwarz made a radical decision that would forever change the course, and reputation, of Brunello di Montalcino wines.
Now owned and run by winemaker Fabian Schwarz, La Màgia is a thriving 15-hectare estate of premium Sangiovese vines, all registered and protected as Brunello. Boasting unparalleled views of Montalcino and the surrounding Tuscan countryside, the beautiful estate is prime wine-growing terrain and is known throughout the region for producing first-class wines.
Producing not only Brunello di Montalcino but also Rosso di Montalcino and the Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, La La Màgia carefully ages these premium grapes for 40 months before finishing the winemaking process for the exquisite Riserva blend. Likewise, the flagship wine of La Magia is the Ciliegio (meaning cherry in Italian) which takes its name from the two ancient cherry trees that reside in the vineyard in which they grow. This special plot has skeleton rich-soil and 50-year-old vines that continuously gift some of the most delicious grapes on the estate. The elegant and juicy fruits make highly complex and elegant wines year after year and are some of the most prized plants at La Màgia.
Since the introduction of sustainable energy, La Màgia has been committed to using alternative methods, such as solar panels and a photo-voltaic system, to create an entirely self-sufficient energy system in its cellar. This allows the vineyard to be efficient and means minimum interference in the natural process of vinification to achieve a product of the very highest quality with its own unique identity.
In fact, in order to safeguard this precious terroir in its entirety, La Màgia has been working tirelessly with experts over the last forty years to create an entirely organic estate. By showing the utmost respect for the land, La Màgia has fostered an environment that promotes nutrient-rich soil whilst also retaining water for use during prolonged periods of drought. With climate change affecting land quality at an alarming rate, La Màgia continues to produce wines with integrity and unique characteristics, all thanks to protecting and nurturing the environment.
Aside from its Bio/Organic certification, La Màgia also promotes professional development projects to help encourage a more unified wine industry in the region.
Working closely with the Istituto Agrario San Michele all’Adige, the estate has helped create a professional network of teachers, students, and producers. The network provides a mutual support system from which everyone benefits and offers a wealth of knowledge regarding the latest production issues and innovative technologies.
This year was a prime example of how exchanging information is crucial in viticulture, as the 2022 harvest experienced record temperatures during May – July. Although another exceptional year for the estate, there were noticeable differences in the length of the harvest, early ripening, and quantity of grapes. However, the much-needed rain at the end of August, followed by sunny days and a north wind during the second half of September, allowed for an excellent phenolic maturation. Phenolics are chemical compounds that affect the wine’s taste, feel and colour. So far, the 2022 batches are characterised by the same good primary aromatic notes that usually develop into the more complex and elegant flavours found in the vintages.
In this spirit of cooperation and quintessential Italian hospitality, the wine harvest has become the culmination and celebration of every new vintage. A time for sharing and enjoyment, La Màgia invites student and hobby winemakers from around the world to participate in this unique occasion. This exchange of experiences is a wonderful opportunity to explore new pathways that lead to continuous improvement for all concerned.
With a pristine Mediterranean landscape as its backdrop, a heritage that dates back centuries, and an ethos that promotes a sustainable future for wine, it’s no wonder that the estate takes its name from the Italian for magic or old Tuscan for home. From pilgrims of the past to oenophiles of the present, La Màgia charms and captivates all who cross its path and sets a precedent for the future.